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First Aid Hint

RECOMMENDED TREATMENT FOR FROSTBITE

If you work outdoors during a B.C.
winter, you are a good candidate for frost-
bite and you should know how to recognize
frostbite and how to treat it.

A frostbitten area is white and numb
because the blood supply to the skin has
been decreased and the area has become
chilled. If cooling continues, ice
crystals can form in the tissues and destroy
cells. Because the result can be as
serious as complete loss of a limb, quick
treatment is essential.

You must gradually warm the frozen area
back to normal body temperature. The
best method is immersion in water that has
been warmed to 40.6 degrees C. (105 de-
grees F.) until the numbness leaves the
area. Holding a warm hand against the
area can help, but do not rub or slap it.
Hot water or cold snow must not be used.

Cover blisters with a sterile dressing.
Seek medical attention if more than a
small surface area has been frozen.

Winter Falls

A major wintertime off-the-job hazard
for all industries is falls. Patches of
icy snow and freezing rain covering side-
walks, streets, and steps mean trouble
for adults and older people.

There have been occasions when a plant
has suffered production interruptions
because of the number of people absent
due to injuries from falls on ice or
snow. In many cases this usually occurs
after a sudden overnight snow or ice
storm when it is too late to take
preventive action.

Many companies have recognized this
hazard as an off-the-job problem and
have tried to feduce the number of such
injuries by reminding their employees
of the following points at the beginning
of the winter season:

1. Keep steps and sidewalks free of ice
and snow.

2. Spread sand or salt at locations that
become icy or where ice can form.

3. Make sure stairs and porches are well
lighted and remember that it becomes
dark early in the winter.

 

6

4. Do not leave the snow shovel and other
equipment on the steps or where it
can become a tripping hazard.

5. Wear shoes that are in good condition
and overshoes with a good tread -

a ribbed sole will provide better
traction than a sole with fine cross
hatching.

6. When walking, take short steps
(shuffle); and lean forward in a slight
crouch; keep your weight off your heels.

7. Be alert to the possibility of ice
where you least expect it

8. Hold on to the railing when going up
or down stairs.

9. Clean off the bottom of your shoes
before entering a house or building.

10. If you start to fall, relax and "“Yfoll

with the punch." GE LIBRARY

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